Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are a great way to extend your home. They also create an additional space that can be used all year long. To keep them looking good, they require regular maintenance and repairs.
Leaking conservatory roofs could be caused by a variety of issues. The exact source needs to be identified which can be difficult.
Gaps in the Roof Sheeting and Panels
The most frequent issue conservatories have is the presence of gaps in their roof sheets and roof panels. Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme winds or heavy rain can break the seals on the polycarbonate panels. Once the seals are damaged, water may get into your conservatory and cause dampness or mold. This can be easily fixed by re-sealing damaged areas of the roof with a specialised conservatory roof repair sealant.
Another reason for gaps in the roof is a lack of proper ventilation. The warm sun's air flows into your conservatory, but it can't escape. This leads to an unregulated greenhouse. In the winter it can cause condensate and cold drafts. A simple solution to this issue is to put a set of vents on the roof ridge, which will allow the conservatory to be properly ventilated.
upvc conservatory roof repairs near me suggested to address this issue include adding a layer of polycarbonate on top the existing roof sheeting. This not only looks unsightly but is also not an ideal option as it could lead to an unsafe structural structure and could not be in compliance with the standards of building regulations. Other options to combat overheating include using blinds to block out the sunlight and putting in insulation. This can result in a stuffy conservatory, and less natural light. Insulation can also be difficult to install, and may require removal and replacement of the glass bar covers.
Polycarbonate, as with other plastics, is prone to chemical degradation as a result of long periods of exposure to UV rays. This can cause it to change colour and haze over time, especially in the sunlight. It is also not as durable and any blow to the panels may cause them to break or create a gap which allows moisture in.
During the installation, an overconfident "jack-of-all trades" may be tempted by the temptation to cut corners and then incorrectly fit the polycarbonate panels. This can result in a slipped panel that creates a gap, but could also let debris like leaves and dead insects into the conservatory. This can also cause a build-up of black mould that is not just ugly but could also be a health hazard and cause further damage to the roof structure.
Cracks in the Roofline
Cracks in the ceiling are an indication of a range of problems. They may be cosmetic or they could indicate a serious issue that needs to be examined by an expert. It all depends on the type of crack, where it is, and what caused it. Paint build-up and normal settlement can cause small, straight cracks. They should be watched and inspected in the event that they grow or become worse. Cracks that run from the ceiling down the wall are usually indicative of foundation movement or high-wind truss uplift or other serious structural issues.
If a crack appears in the middle of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging this is a bad indication and should be investigated immediately by a professional. This kind of crack could result from a variety of things, such as the storage of heavy objects in the room above the ceiling, water damage, or foundation settlement.
A crack that extends from the ceiling down to the floor can be a sign of structural damage. It could be due to an issue with the plumbing above the ceiling, foundation settlement or other structural issues.
If the crack is located in the ceiling's corner, it may be due to a problem with the drywall. Often, this is the result of improper installation and can be repaired by a qualified drywall specialist.
A corner crack of a ceiling can be repaired by using a special filler. Filler will smooth out the crack. It's going to need to be sanded, then repainted, but this is a much less costly way of repairing the crack than replacing the entire ceiling. You can also patch a crack with a utility blade, remove any loose plaster and then apply a coat of drywall paste. After the drywall mud is dry, it can then be sanded down and smoothed.
Leaking Roof
A roof that is leaky can be a major issue and, in time, it may damage furniture and flooring. It can also create mold if left untreated, and present a health hazard for anyone who is using the conservatory. It is important to take care of any issues as quickly as you can.
Fortunately, most conservatory leaks can be fixed easily. It's a matter of identifying and repairing the source of the leak, and then making the necessary repairs. It is important to keep in mind that a leak may be difficult to identify because it could travel along the ceiling and through walls to other rooms. A quick and easy solution like a bucket or a sheet can be helpful for a while until you can get a professional in for complete inspection and repair.
Polycarbonate plastic degrades naturally with age. This could be a contributing factor in certain cases. Insufficient insulation and a roof that is sloping are other possible causes. The gutters can also get blocked by debris such as leaves and twigs. It's also important to clean your gutters as well as your conservatory regularly.
Leaks often appear at the end of the bar that divides the roofing panels. They are known as "finial points" and they don't just provide a stylish look to the conservatory, but also aid in stopping the panels from sliding. If you see a leak, it could indicate that the finial point was not fitted correctly and needs to be taken apart to be sealed.
Electricity and water can be dangerous and should be avoided, so ensure that the area around electrical sockets is completely dry. Dehumidifiers can reduce condensation and keep the conservatory well-ventilated. This is especially important in the winter, when a conservatory that is cold and draughty could be uncomfortable. Regularly checking your conservatory and clearing any debris will stop leaks from happening in the first place. However, if you discover an issue, it's important to get in touch with a specialist repair company for conservatories as soon as possible to get it repaired and your conservatory restored to its original.
Condensation
Condensation can pose a challenge for conservatory owners. This is especially relevant for older conventional structures. It can result from various factors, including high humidity levels as well as cold surfaces, and inadequate ventilation. This is usually the case during winter when electric heating systems are in use. The temperature of the conservatory can increase, causing excessive moisture to accumulate on the windows.
A properly constructed conservatory will be watertight and airtight, preventing warm air from venting out or cold air from entering. It's a great thing since it can help you reduce your energy costs and keep your home warm and secure from drafts. This can create the perfect conditions for condensation to develop as the colder air and cold surfaces inside a conservatory come into contact with warmer air and water vapour inside the structure.
This can be a massive problem for homeowners since it can cause streaks of stains on windows and roof panels and in extreme cases, lead to the growth of mould, which isn't just unattractive, but can also cause serious health problems like throat irritation and breathing problems. There are numerous ways to prevent condensation from growing in your conservatory.
It's a great idea to reduce humidity by using an extractor fan or a dehumidifier. You can also increase ventilation by opening your windows and doors more often and opening them wider. It's also a good idea to avoid drying your clothes in your conservatory, and to eliminate plants from the area as these can all increase moisture levels.
Finally, if you have double glazing or bi-fold doors installed in your conservatory it may be worth considering having them upgraded to more energy efficient models since this can also help reduce condensation. It is always worth taking preventative steps to ensure that your conservatory is free of condensation and damp. Once condensation has formed, it can be difficult to remove. With just a few steps you can stop this from occurring and enjoy your conservatory all year round without any issues.